Located near Highlands, NC, Dry Falls is one waterfall that catches everyone’s attention. Not only is it outstandingly beautiful, the name “Dry Falls” often makes people curious as to the origin of the name. In reality, the name Dry Falls actually refers to the fact that you can stand behind this waterfall and still remain dry (unless it is extremely high water flow..then apparently it is a different story!)

The word “cullasaja” is a distorted Cherokee word for honey locust place (the actual Cherokee word is Kaulsetsiyi). The honey locust held an important role for the Cherokees, as the wood was often used for making bows, and the flesh in the locust pods was used as a sweetener.
Dry Falls is on the Cullasaja River, and part of a series of falls in the Nantahala National Forest that also include Bridal Veil, Quarry Falls, and Cullasaja. Bridal Veil (there are two in NC) is only a mile away. This waterfall is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byways.

In searching information on this waterfall, I found it was another that has conflicting heights mentioned..some list it as 80 feet, some as 65 feet., and other sites list it somewhere in between, depending on what exact area is used to measure..the viewing area was upgraded a few years ago, and now has bathroom facilities, along with improved parking. There is also a viewing platform that Stay and Play in the Smokies mentions is a plus for disabled and can accommodate a wheelchair. The hike to the falls is listed as paved, and only .2 of a mile on a paved path.

Dry Falls can be found about three miles north of Highlands, on Highway 64.

The following two photos had an odd coincidence surrounding them: Both Victor Ellison and Mark Vandyke braved the bone-chilling temperatures last week, on the same day, at the same place, by pure luck. So we wanted to share these again, together..two incredible photographers, both with a similar goal, and some amazing results!

We have included a link for the Roan Highlands for people who would like to know more about this scenic area.

Charles frequently shares photos of Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as Pretty Place, and they invariably go into top photos each time. Charles mentioned that each time he visits, the view is new in some aspect. Although Charles does not have a commercial site, you can find his work at Local Color in Brevard, and Local Color is also on Facebook.

Kevin Senter, who graciously allowed us to use his pictures, is a North Carolina photographer residing in Rutherfordton. He has been doing photography since the age of 8, when he received his first camera, and continued his interest while stationed overseas in Germany. At present, when not hiking the mountains of our state, he is enrolled in a 3 year Bachelor’s program in fine art photography at the Art Institute of Charlotte, and is turning his focus to architecture and commercial photography. A wide selection of his photographs can be enjoyed on Facebook at the following link:

Cascade Falls (also known as the Cascades)

Cascade Falls is different in that it “falls” for a few feet before it begins its’ slide down the rock face. The total height (including falls and slide area) on Cascade is over 250 feet, and is on our parkway at milepost 271.9, near Deep Gap, and is within the E.B. Jeffress Park . One especially nice feature of Cascade is that it can be viewed from the road, making it handicapped accessible. There are two overlooks if you decide to make the loop hike, which is roughly 1 mile. The trail drops first about 50 feet for a view from the upper overlook, and then drops again 200 feet for the lower overlook. You do have two different views, depending on your overlook: the first one allows viewing of roughly 20 feet of cascades above and the slide below. The second one shows a different view of the slide area.

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited. Cascade Falls is located within E.B. Jeffress Park on the Parkway, within Wilkes County.

Hickory Nut Falls

Hickory Nut Falls, familiar to many from the movie, “Last of the Mohicans”, is one of our most impressive waterfalls, a towering 404 feet! Belonging to the Morse Family and part of Chimney Rock Park, which was sold to the state in 2007, the area is now Chimney Rock State Park, and an admission fee is charged to visit. We wanted to share the incredible beauty of these falls with you, but unfortunately we have to report that the trails for this one are closed at this time, due to rock slide damage. The 3/4 mile trail does offer viewing of not only the falls, but of a wide variety of bird and plant life, including Deerhair Bulrush, which actually grows out of the crevices of the rock face.

For directions, please check the following website, where you can also find out about events, closings, and other pertinent information for the park. Chimney Rock State Park is located at:

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited. Hickory Nut Falls is located in Chimney Rock in Rutherford County.

Elk River Falls

One of the most enchanting features of Elk River Falls is also one of its most dangerous features. A sheer drop of 40 to 50 feet (depending on the source used) makes this a very popular falls, and unfortunately, several accidents and deaths have been recorded, with many people attempting to jump off the falls. In reading the comments associated with this one, it is apparent that this waterfall creates some mighty strong currents and churning of the water at the base, and it is also strongly recommended not to swim near the top of the falls, either, as many have been swept over by the currents. That said, from the pictures we’ve viewed, there is a lovely swimming area to enjoy with relatively calm water. Two different trails take you to the bottom and the top of the falls, depending on your preference. The trail to the top is listed as easy, and not long at all. The base trail which leads to the swimming area is steeper. Limited parking is available.

To reach Elk River Falls, starting from Elk Park, find the intersection of NC 194 and US 19 E. Head out for .7 miles west on US 19 E. The directions seem a little confusing at this point, but apparently you hang a right at this point, and then quickly turn left onto SR 1303 (Old Mill Rd). At .3 miles, turn right onto Elk River Rd, and follow this into Pisgah Forest until the road ends, about 4 miles. Road’s end is the parking area for the Elk River Falls.

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited. Elk River Falls is located in Avery County, NC.

Merry Falls

As with many of NC’s waterfalls, reports of heights often vary, and Merry Falls is no exception. Some sources quote 25 feet, others quote 30 feet, but all sources agree one thing, this falls’ breathtaking beauty. A split fall at the top runs for roughly ten feet, and then the two streams of water join for the remainder of the drop. You can only view this waterfall from the roadside, as it is located on private property, but directions to the falls are fairly easy. We’re only going to give you one approach here, coming in from Brevard. To find other approaches, you can just Google, but be sure to use “Merry” falls. “Mary” falls will not bring up the info you need.

From 276 S and US 64 in Brevard, head south on US 276 for 10.8 miles until you reach Cascade Lake Road, easily seen by the DuPont State Forest sign. Turn left here, and around 4.4 miles, Merry Falls should be visible on your left.

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited. Merry Falls is located in Transylvania County, NC.

Upper Falls of Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields is one of NC’s more popular hiking areas, with access to two waterfalls: Upper Falls and Second Falls (also known as Lower Falls). The unusual name of Graveyard Fields comes from the fact that a severe wind toppled the trees of the area many years ago, leaving stumps that resemble gravestones across the area. To add to this, a bad fire burned out the area in 1925, contributing to the eerieness of the fields. However, heavy rhododendron and wildflowers such as galax, asters, and bluets relieve some of the sparseness, and the vistas once you reach the falls are considered by many to be among the best our parkway has to offer, with views of both surrounding mountains and the “graveyard” area. Berry bushes in both summer and fall also attract wildlife. Upper Falls reaches 30 feet and has a slow, easy flow to the water, adding to the peacefulness of the site. The 3.0 mile round trip hike is listed as easy to moderate and sections of the trail actually resemble a boardwalk in some areas.

To reach Graveyard Fields and Upper Falls, find the junction of the Blue Ridge Parkway and US 276. Once on the parkway, head south for 6.9 – 7 miles, and watch for sign signaling Graveyard Fields. It is located at milepost 418.8 of the BRP.

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited.

Dry Falls

Not only is Dry Falls far from being dry, it also seems to have three different heights, depending on the source you use! So we will just say that it is roughly 75 feet, with 40 feet of it freefall, and flows off of an overhanging bluff. The name “Dry Falls” actually comes from the fact that you can walk behind this fall, thanks to the bluff, and remain “dry”. Dry Falls also had an array of names it is known by, such as Upper Cullasaja Falls,

High Falls, and Pitcher Falls. It’s located near Highlands, NC, in the Nantahala National Forest. An observation deck is completely accessable, but please be aware that there are steps to the actual falls. One resource does mention a small $2 vehicle fee.

To access Dry Falls coming from Highlands, starting from the intersection of 64 West and Hwy 106, travel west on 64 slightly over 3 miles (past Bridal Veil Falls), and there should be a Forestry sign for Dry Falls. Turn left here for the parking area. There are many beautiful waterfalls in this particular stretch, and you may well find yourself on quite a discovery trip!

Always please check directions and visibility before making special trips for any of the waterfalls mentioned. Due to our ever changing weather, rock slides, and other unexpected quirks of Mother Nature, often access or visibility may be limited. Dry Falls is in Macon County, NC.